Tolkien did everything in writing-Peter Jackson and company made the rest on film, I own nothing.
Clap my editor MissMiaTherese on the back! She's edits my chapters and then I repost them! She's done the last two! So enjoy this one that has not been bled out with red ink. And after consulting with overtherisingstar and BorysBorys, I was able to fix time and travel rates. Now they are a little more accurate. Kudos to my editor MissMiaTherese who suggested to not focus so much on their traveling but what happened during their travels.
This Was Ours
by: iamCAMBRIA
Chapter 3: Hamfast and Anthereon
Balin awoke slowly. He opened his old bleary eyes like squeak rusty doors. The world around him was blurred with sleep, so he blinked a few times to get it back into focus.
He was in a bed that was very small, and was covered with large, red, fluffy quilts. The room, too, was very small, and was decorated simply with a dresser and a wash bin. To his right was a door that led to what he assumed was the bathroom. So with a large yawn that probably stole air from the entire room, Balin got up out of the bed. He went to the bathroom to relieve himself and to bathe. After using the soothing cool water—which reminded him of the water in the mines—he drained the water and, with one of the towels that Bellissima had proved for the bathroom, the old Dwarf dried himself with the soft material. Lastly, he clothed himself.
"Perhaps we should bring some of these for Thorin." He rumbled to himself. "I'm sure he doesn't have any towels in all of Erebor that are this soft."
That reminded him.
Bellissima, he thought rather downcast, is rather cross with me.
Cross with you or with the message you carry? A little voice at the back of his head peeped.
He hadn't thought about that before. Maybe the little hobbit wasn't really angry at him, but at his news. After all, it had been over a year since the 'death' of Thorin, she may have felt betrayed that they hadn't told her sooner. Why hadn't she been alerted? He wondered. He himself had been busy assisting Thorin rebuild Erebor from the inside. They could have sent someone else, though. Dwalin was always traveling back and forth between the different Dwarvish kingdoms; surely he could've found time to break the news kindly to their king's lover. Even Bofur or Gloin—who were always traveling—could've told her.
But none of them had.
Instead he had waited. In the course of the year, Thorin had realized that he required a queen. It was then and only then that Balin had thought to retrieve the king's burglar. Before that, the Halfling had not crossed his mind.
Now his absentmindedness had gotten them into a fine mess. Bellissima was angry, and Thorin was looking in all the wrong places to find his queen. It made Balin wonder how the amnesia worked. Why of all the things, people and places that the Dwarf king knew, did he forget Bellissima?
The mind truly is beyond any understanding.
Sighing, the old Dwarf left the bathroom and reentered the bedroom. He tidied the bed up before standing back and looked at the room in its entirety. When he was convinced that the room was in the same condition he'd found it in, he nodded his approval. He reached for the travel pack he carried the day prior and hefted it onto his shoulder. With a grim expression his face, Balin walked out of the room and closed the door behind him.
As soon as he walked into the hallway his noise was greeted with the smell of cooking eggs and bacon; his ears was serenaded by the sound of cheerful humming floating around the house.
Balin crept cautiously down the hall to the kitchen. Bellissima was there, running about cooking food and laying it on the table. She wore a light blue waistcoat, and a cream blouse with a neat small collar. She also wore light brown pants that were held up by suspenders. Her tawny auburn hair was pinned up in a messy bun, a few of her curls sticking out—framing her face perfectly.
"Good morning Balin." She chirped, not turning around.
From the back, he could see her marriage braid pinned to the side of her head. The little bronze beads glinted merrily. Balin felt puzzled at the hobbit's sudden change of mood.
"Yes, apparently it is." The Dwarf drawled, looking suspiciously at Bellissima.
"And why shouldn't it be?" She continued, "the sun is shining, the birds are twittering, and I've good company for breakfast."
With that she placed a plate of what appeared to be blueberry flapjacks on the table. The tails of her waistcoat twirled around her body as she spun to face him. She grinned.
"I owe you an apology Balin. I had no reason to have gotten angry at you yesterday, in fact, I should be thanking you. If not for you, I would've never known that Thorin was alive; for that I'm in your debt."
"Apology accepted lass." Balin nodded, a grin spreading across his face. "And you owe me nothing; you helped us win back the Lonely Mountain—that is more than enough payment for a life time."
She smiled gratefully at him and nodded.
"Judging by the way you are dressed, methinks you are ready to begin our journey to Erebor." He chuckled.
Bellissima huffed, and scratched the back of her head. "Well, maybe."
"As I told you, long journey—short visit."
"You knew I would be ready." Bellissima asked, her voice quiet with wonder.
"Yes I did," Balin admitted, "but who wouldn't wish to rush to their beloved?"
"I suppose that's true." She agreed eagerly.
Balin nodded and clapped his hands together. "Right, so, before we leave, do we get to enjoy your cooking?"
Bellissima laughed, resisting the urge to roll her eyes. "Yes, we can."
They both walked over to the food laden table and sat down. The breakfast food both smelled and looked positively divine. There were flapjacks, sausages, eggs, potatoes, fruits, and pastries. She had brewed fine bitter coffee, and set out small glasses of milk to wash everything down. They dug in eagerly and between the two of them, they finished every single dish.
Balin sighed contentedly and leaned against the back of his chair.
"Miss Baggins," He grunted, happily patting his stomach. "You've outdone yourself."
Bellissima looked up from the coffee mug she held in her hands. She pursed her lips.
"Well, if I'm going to Erebor, I don't want food to be rotting in my pantries. I've sold the rest to the merchants in the market."
"It seems as though you've decided to take up residence in Erebor." Balin said, cocking his hair eyebrows.
"For the time being." She agreed standing up and gathering all the plates.
"Would you like help, Miss Baggins?" He called out after her, as she walked to her sink with the water pump.
"No thank you Balin! I'll be done in a jiffy!" She shouted over her shoulder.
"Alright lassie." He affirmed. Without anything to do, the old Dwarf leaned back in his chair again, and closed his eyes. In his head, he began plotting a map with all the quickest and safest roots to Erebor. He knew it would be wise to bypass towns like Bree, where human congestion would only hold them up. They would need to stop by Udhor and Ermirth and other smaller villages for supplies—unless Bellissima had already packed some for the journey. They would also need to avoid Mirkwood; Thranduil would be more than happy to imprison them again. That led them to the Eastern Path that skirted the dark woods. Taking that road would mean they were no less than 300 miles south of New Laketown, or Ulgoroth to the Dwarves. There, he would need to purchase warmer clothes for the hobbit. Shire-folk were not as accustomed to the cold mountain air as Dwarves were.
Balin shivered. That journey had taken a little over a year. Running from orcs, getting lost in forests, losing trails, and being imprisoned had taken up so much time. A quest that should've only taken four months at most, had been stretched painstakingly long. Balin cringed. Thank Durin that they could safely use the main road now.
"Well, all done." Bellissima said, stepping into the room.
Balin opened his eyes. "Ah, yes, good. Anything else you might like to accomplish, Miss Baggins before we leave?"
Bellissima's face twisted, pondering the possible chores. Her nose scrunched up in thought. To the old Dwarf, she looked rather like a child.
Hobbits. Balin thought, laughing a small wheezy chuckle.
Bellissima nodded. "I need to stop at Bree on our way out."
Balin groaned inwardly. "Any particular reason why, lassie?"
"My sword is at a blacksmith shop there." She explained.
"Does not Hobbiton have one?"
"Does it look like Hobbiton has one?"
"Fair enough," Balin admitted, begrudgingly.
"Unless you wanted another day of rest, I'm ready to go now." Bellissima said.
"Have you packed supplies?" Balin asked.
"About a week's worth." Bellissima answered confidently.
Well then, we should be able, if we're lucky, to make it to Bree without a problem; we will have to restock by then, though. He thought before responding; "I have no reason to stay. If we leave now, we should arrive at Bree by three days time."
Bellissima perked up. We're going! We are actually going to Erebor! "Well then, I think we should head off then…now…like right now."
Balin chuckled. "Very well, Master Burglar. If you are ready, then we may leave now."
Bellissima chirped out a happy note before she ran into the hall for a minute. When she reappeared, she had her leather traveling pack on her back. It was completely full.
"No contract this time, right?" She asked, bouncing from foot to foot.
Balin nodded, her chipper emotions contagious. "You are correct. You'll be working for your food, room, and minimal pay—no contract needed for those simple things."
"Good, that's all I want from my work." However, she thought to herself, I actually don't want any of those things. I only need one person from Erebor.
Balin frowned.
"What about the treasure, lassie?" He whispered. "Have you kept it hidden? Kept it safe?"
"Unless another Dwarf or someone with a nose for gold comes into my house," she warbled amusedly, "then the treasure should be just fine. I've stashed it well away." Bellissima gave him a quick wink. "Guess I picked up the skill from you Dwarves."
Balin chuckled. "It's something we are proud of."
The hobbit cocked her head to the side, a goofy grin lighting her features. With a twinkle in her eyes, she beckoned him to follow her. They both traveled through the halls to the front door. Bellissima pulled the front door open with a strained grunt. Balin passed through first, and then she followed after him.
The crisp morning air met her again for the second time that day, she had been out at dawn selling her goods. With a sigh, Bellissima turned around and closed the door. She dug around in her pockets, ignoring the Ring, until she found the key. Taking it out, she locked her home up good and tight. She laid her hand on the door.
"Keep my secrets safe." She murmured before turning around and walking towards Balin.
The Dwarf was standing hands on hips, looking rather incredulously at the two ponies that had been tied to Bellissima's white painted fence. His eyes darted to the hobbit girl that approached him.
"Did you saddle up both ponies and pack them with supplies?" Balin stated.
She looked up to the Dwarf with a cocky grin. "Nope."
Balin hesitated. "Then who—"
"That would be me, Master Dwarf, sir."
Balin spun around. There standing behind him, with a sack slung over his shoulder was a male hobbit. He was dressed in the norm hobbit wear of velvet green trouser with suspenders over a pale blue shirt. His strawberry blonde hair was a mess of curls peeking out from under a gardener's straw hat. The hobbit's green eyes glowed with mischief.
The hobbit bowed. "Hamfast Gamgee, pleased to meet your acquaintance, sir."
Balin blinked for a second and then bowed as well. "Balin, at your service."
Hamfast stuck his hand out. Balin looked at it with confusion until he realized what the hobbit wanted. Quickly so as not to seem rude, he grabbed Hamfast's hand and gave it a hearty shake. The hobbit cringed, drawing away from the Dwarf shortly after.
"Got quite a grip, don'cha sir?" He chuckled nervously.
Balin looked queerly at him. "Hm, I suppose."
Turning away from Balin's skeptical gaze, Hamfast walked up to Bellissima and nodded to her.
"Ready to set off then, ma'am?"
"Yes. And…you will do as you say?" She asked quietly.
"Aye, Miss," Hamfast nodded eagerly. "I'll keep an eye on the old home for you. An' I'll make sure that rotten ol' Lobelia won't even come close to your home…or your garden for that matter."
Bellissima let out a relieved sigh. "Thank you Hamfast; this—I wouldn't be asking this of you if it weren't important."
"Well that's what friends are for!" He piped up. "And although, I don' very much like trompin' around havin' adventures and such—you do. And as your friend, I want all the happiness for you Miss Bellissima, ma'am."
The hobbit-girl sighed and placed a hand on the gardener's shoulder. "What would I do without you?"
"You'd be stuck with an unguarded home, that's what." Hamfast chuckled, before pushing her away playfully. "Now go on, quickly. Before anyone notices."
Bellissima nodded, before pulling away. She walked to Balin and the two nodded simultaneously before mounting the two ponies. With that, they began to plod away. Bellissima, however, pulled back suddenly on the horse's reins and turned back to look at Hamfast.
"If I don't come back, give Drogo my spare key." She commanded.
Hamfast nodded. "And the maps as well?"
Bellissima cocked her head to the side. The map Hamfast spoke of, guided the keep through the tunnels under her house. Those tunnels led to her few chests of trolls' treasure that she safeguarded. If she didn't return, then what use were the maps to her?"
"Yes, those as well." She agreed.
"Safe travels Ms. Baggins."
"Good bye Hamfast."
She turned and spurred her pony forward, catching up to Balin. He wasn't that far ahead so she caught up to the older Dwarf easily. They were quiet for a bit, until the Dwarf finally spoke.
"He seems like a nice lad."
Bellissima hummed an affirmative.
"Known him long?"
"Since we were Shirelings."
"Ah, good."
They were silent for a while longer until Bellissima realized what Balin was implying. She whipped her head around to glare at him with shocked eyes.
"For the love of Mahal, Balin! How could you even think of Hamfast and me like that?"
The Dwarf cocked a bushy eyebrow.
"Sure I told him about our journey," she continued on frantically. "But I would never, ever think of him like that! He's a trustworthy friend and I know he'll keep my stuff in check while we're gone! But, I don't bloody think of him more than a friend! I wouldn't dare think, not for all the food in the world, think to betray Thorin!"
Balin tilted his head with an amused grin. "You done lassie?"
Bellissima sat back on her pony, confused and flustered. "Wha—?"
"I believe you."
"B-b-but, after that whole rant—" she puffed with gasps.
"Do you remember the first thing you said?"
"How could you think of him and me like that?"
"No, go a bit further."
"I don't…oh."
For the love of Mahal.
One of Thorin's favorite—definitely milder—curses. She hadn't realized she said it, it just came out. Now that she remembered, Bellissima recalled that she'd said the same phrase many times since the Quest for Erebor. A few of the other hobbits had even pointed that out to her, curious on who or what Mahal was. Quite frankly, she wasn't too sure.
"You cursed using his words. When you love someone enough," Balin said interrupting her thoughts, "you tend to repeat the things they say, even years after you've know them."
Bellissima blushed and turned to face forward.
"Let's just get to Bree." She grumbled.
† † †
By the time they had reached the town of Men, the sun had begun to set on the third day; the stars peeking out from underneath the blushing sky. The ponies panted and foamed, they had reason enough, being that it was ninety miles from the Shire. Perhaps they had been laden them with a bit too many supplies—even though half of them were gone by now.
They both dismounted. Balin's boots clopped heavily against the sun baked earth, while Bellissima's bare feet landed gently. Taking the reins of both ponies, Balin knocked on the door to the front gate. The small sliding door at the top opened before shutting and opening up another one that was almost eye level with them.
"Good evening sir." Balin greeted politely.
"Evenin'." The gate keeper grunted. "A Dwarf 'n a hobbit?"
"Dwarf and a hobbit."
The door slammed shut and the gate itself opened up with a moaning creak. As Balin and Bellissima passed through. They both nodded their heads to the gate keeper in gratitude.
"Enjoy your stay in Bree, sir and madame." He said.
"So where's the smithy?" Balin asked, looking around at all the Men who forced their way past the two.
"This way," she directed, trying to see her way over all the tall heads.
When she saw the shop, her eyes lit up. She veered to the left. Balin grunted and followed her.
For a Dwarf, he was old and very short. Among the Men, though, he was probably as short as his hobbit companion and a proud one at that. He did not want to be confused for a hobbit.
Bellissima led them to a shop with an anvil for a sign. She turned to face him and pointed to the wooden posts in front of the house.
"We can tie the horses here."
Balin followed her lead and went up the stairs to the small door designed for hobbits. They both squeezed in, and a small bell announced their entrance. When they came into the building they were met with the strong smells of smoke, fire, and iron.
Bellissima choked on the smell. It reminded her too much of the past. I used to find this smell appealing, but now… she thought, but now it is toxic with memories.
Squaring her shoulders, she forced the unpleasant thoughts from her mind. Now was not the time to mourn memories. Bellissima walked over to the Man sized desk and knocked on the wood. A young woman's head leaned over the counter top. She had straight dirty blonde hair and cunning brown eyes. Her facial expression was nothing but smiles and glee.
"Miss Baggins, how are you?" the girl chirped brightly.
"I am doing fine Merlee." Bellissima responded with as much happiness as she could muster. "Your husband wouldn't happen to be around now, would he?"
"He just happens to be! I'll go and get him." She said before stepping away and walking down a hall that led towards the back of the shop.
Balin stepped up next to Bellissima. "So what is the blacksmith's name?"
"His name is—"
"Bellissima!"
They both turned to see a tall, lean man approach them. He had burgundy shoulder length hair that was currently in a ponytail. His pale skin was gleaming and sweaty—a stark contrast against this emerald tunic and dark brown pants. He took his black smithy apron off and hung it over his arm. He gave them a small bow. His hair fell over his neck briefly, but when he pulled back up, glimpses of pointed ears poked out from underneath the pulled back hair.
An elf. Balin sucked in his breath.
"Miss Baggins, I did not expect you so early." He said giving her a charming smile.
"I know, Anthereon, but I had to come as soon as possible."
Anthereon spared a side glance for Balin. His eyes narrowed and his happier demeanor seemed to fade. His muscles visibly tightened.
"A Dwarf." He hissed.
Bellissima tugged at the edge of his tunic. "Please, Anthereon, I need Sting tonight. I'm going on a journey."
The elf brightened and turned back to the hobbit; he couldn't help but be softer towards her. She was his star pupil. "To where do you venture, young one?"
"Erebor." She declared looking him full in the eyes.
Anthereon arched one of his slender eyebrows. "Erebor, home to the Dwarf king Thorin. I do not suppose this has to do with your past adventure, does it?"
"It does indeed." Bellissima announced, making sure not to resurface any other unpleasant memories.
"Very well." The elf nodded. "I will go get your sword; it has been sharpened to precision and polished to perfection."
"Excuse me, Master Anthereon." Balin interrupted suddenly. "But Miss Bell is no fighter. The blade was sharp enough for only her defense."
Anthereon's eyes sparkled. "Is he entirely unaware of your occupation, Miss Baggins?"
"I haven't talked to him in over a year." She admitted sheepishly. "I haven't been able to tell him."
"Tell me what lassie?"
"Miss Baggins is a talented fighter." Anthereon announced proudly. "Over the past year, I have trained her in the art of elven sword fighting. Although she is no elf in stature or physique, she has become like one in her skill. During her training, she has joined a group called the Guardians—they watch the borders and protect them from any attackers."
Balin looked at Bellissima incredulously.
"It's true." She affirmed. "After our Quest, I figured I should learn to fight. So when I found out that an elf was offering lessons—I just had to ask."
"I was all too eager to help a hobbit who wielded the matching dagger to Ocrist." The elf explained.
"If you don't mind me questioning," Balin wondered aloud, "but why aren't you training with the others of your kind?"
Anthereon's face fell and his bright eyes darkened.
"My kin believe me dead." He drawled out slowly. "They thought I perished in a battle fought long ago. I bear many scars from that battle, and I am fortunate enough to have my magic to hide them. They are evidence of the full wrath of war."
"That still does not explain why you are here." The Dwarf pointed out.
"I, like Miss Baggins, came across an unexpected journey." He explained gesturing down the hall where Merlee had disappeared to. "I found my Star of Stars and she has borne both of my children—mine kin. As much as I wanted to leave this town when I returned to my full strength, I found myself unable. My wife is so attached to Bree, I could not pull her away from the only home she knows. She deserves all the joys that her short life time may supply. Such are the ways of love."
Balin agreed with that. "Indeed."
Bellissima turned her head to the side. Here Anthereon was, a wounded war hero like Thorin. Everything had turned out well for him. He had a beautiful human wife, children, and a rewarding job. Even though it wasn't the lustrous life of the elves, Anthereon was happy. Bellissima could only wish the same luck would come to her as well.
You are 'luck wearer'. She thought to herself..
"Come," Anthereon said, casting aside his somber mood as quickly as sunshine expels shadows. "I shall give you Sting tomorrow morn; the night has already come upon us. Tonight you shall dine with my family and be guests in our house."
Balin smiled, his beard scrunching up on his cheeks. An elf who offers food, he thought, cannot be entirely bad.
"We would be honored, Master Elf." He answered, surprising himself.
Anthereon smiled, and his eyes twinkled jovially. "Follow me then, Master Dwarf, Miss Baggins."
He spun around with a warrior's grace and walked down the hallway. He chatted to them in an amiable manner, about his and the Dwarf's familiar crafts. Bellissima smiled sadly, thinking about a certain fallen Dwarf. An elf and a Dwarf chatting about as if they were old friends—who would've thought it?
For a few hours Balin and Bellissima ate with Anthereon, Merlee, and their two young children Torgas and Radir. Once the meal was finished Merlee showed the two guests to their rooms. It was quite a restful night for the hobbit and the Dwarf.
It did not last long however, because it felt to Bellissima that as soon as she shut her eyes, Balin was there shaking for her to awaken. She groaned.
"It's time to go, Miss Bell." He whispered. "It is almost sunrise."
Bellissima nodded and left without another word. Groggily, she got up out of her bed and pulled on her jacket; she hadn't bothered changing that night because she knew they were leaving early. After making the bed and freshening up a bit, she went down to the kitchen. Anthereon was there cooking food. He smiled at her and gestured to her to sit down at the table with Balin.
Once she sat, the elf set plates of bagels and fresh fruit before them, along with mugs of hot coffee to wash the food down. Shortly he joined them with a plate of his own. They ate in amicable silence.
As they were finishing, the soft pitter-patter of tiny feet echoed down the hall. They all looked up to see Radir standing in the door way. His night clothes were wrinkled and his choppy brown hair was ruffled.
"Lonneg." Anthereon greeted with a soft smile and a gentle voice.
"Ada." The boy replied quickly, before turning to Bellissima. "Are you going on a journey Miss Boggeens?"
Bellissima was suddenly and painfully reminded of Fili and Kili. Those two had never gotten her name right, had they? Although, it didn't bother her now—she almost missed it.
"Yes, I am going on a journey." She replied quietly.
The boy gave a deflated sigh. "Then Nanna and muindor both say good bye. They sleep."
"Which is where you should be, Radir." His father added.
"Ada, can I not see them out?" He pleaded turning to his father with big elfish eyes.
Anthereon nodded reluctantly, and the child squeaked with joy.
"We should be on our way." Balin said.
Bellissima nodded in agreement.
"Leave your plates, I will get hem after your departure." Their host said, getting up as well.
Together, they went outside. The sun was just starting to rise, sprinkling tine drops of sun over the roofs of the town. It was lovely.
Bellissima turned around when she felt a tap on her shoulder. Anthereon held out Sting. With a smile, she grabbed it, and strapped the belt and sword onto her waist. The sword fell into its place on her hip perfectly.
"Thank you." She said.
The elf crouched down and gather her into a hug. "Godspeed, elvellon. May you find what you look for in the Lonely Mountain."
"I hope so." She muttered into his shirt.
He pulled away from her and stood up, allowing his son to hug the hobbit. Anthereon looked at Balin tentatively. But the Dwarf smiled, so Anthereon did too.
"Fair travels Dwarf, may the road be favorable to you."
"And may your craft stay profitable." Balin replied.
The elf turned back to Bellissima and separated her from his child. He gave her a gentle nudge towards Balin who had aleady mounted. She walked over to her pony and prepared to leave.
"Bye, Miss Boggeens!" Radir cheeped out.
She waved to them one last time before she and Balin had their ponies trot away. It was time. They were on the road to Erebor.
Not gonna lie. This was long. Really long. But I was listening to King and Lionheart by Of Monsters and Men the whole time so it's cool. thank you to markstn41, Guest, sauara, Mira Meliandra, Pearl001 (yes that was Jane and the Dragon; good job), Marina Oakenshield, and overtherisingstar and BorysBorys for all reviewing. Criticism is great! I'm open to it! And this chapter is officially edited!